In last week’s gospel reading we listened in as Jesus told his familiar parable, “The Man Who Fell among Thieves.” This parable lifts up the challenge to Jesus’ followers to be neighbor to those whom they engage compassionately in human encounter. Luke pairs this parable with the telling of Jesus visit to the home of Mary and Martha, an encounter that points out the importance of sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening to him. These two vignettes from Luke’s gospel form solid bookends that support the follower in their journey through life: neighborly compassion and hospitable listening.

Martha’s problem wasn’t her serving it was her distractedness in her serving which kept her from being present in the moment. Mary was free to be in the moment and to sit at Jesus’ feet, the position of a disciple. Jesus frees us to be in the moment and to fulfill what the moment requires whether it be service or listening. By such free and hospitable listening, we listen the other into life. If last week’s lesson can be summed up with the phrase, “Neighbor up” then this week’s lesson can summed up with the phrase, “Listen up!”

St. Paul’s News and Notes: Healthy Congregations workshops are being held throughout the Synod, cost $25. Register by August 9. Women of St. Paul’s are collecting items for LWR School Kits. St. Paul’s Quilters continue to meet every Monday at 9 a.m. All are invited to pick up a copy of Introducing the Missional Church, and read it along with people throughout the Synod. Discussion questions are available. Have you discovered Faith Five? Give it a try today.